Cusco & Choquequirao Hike to Machu Picchu

Cusco & Choquequirao Hike to Machu Picchu

Trip Details:

About this program

For those looking to really disconnect from the modern world, this 11-day adventure provides travelers with experiences of all sorts. Enjoy water sports, explore colonial cities and take on the challenge of a 4-day trek and the demanding hike of Tawantinsuyo.

Discover archaeological sites, ancient ruins, Machu Picchu’s splendor and so much more. This is the trip of a life-time!

Itinerary

Day 1: Cusco

Once in Cusco, it is important to take half a day off to acclimatize. In the mid- afternoon, you will be picked to do a walking tour in the city where you can appreciate the diversity of Cusco city. (No meals included)

Day 2: Cusco, Piuray, Chincheros

Morning pick up to Lake Piuray where there is an Outdoor Center. Here you can take some yoga classes and do outdoor activities like Kayaking and Paddle Surf , Bike or hike. After a typical lunch to meet weavers at Chincheros, community whom we work with. Overnight at a Hotel, dinner on your own. (B/L)

Day 3: Cusco, Cachora, Chikisca

Leaving Cusco due north on the main highway towards Lima, we leave the city behind, cross into Antapampa with views of Mt. Salkantay and Humantay at first and as we leave this high plateau area, Mt Pitusiray, Chicon and Veronica come into view. The road continues until we reach the Apurimac River, an impressive gorge. Past the village of Curawasi, visiting the Sayhuite - stone – a carved map of the Inca Empire, it is said. A small side road over a ridge brings us down to the village of Cachora, where we start today’s hike. Taking our daypacks we start walking along the edge of the mountain. At Capuliyoc, we get our first view of the Apurimac canyon and the trail that lies ahead. We begin our descent and camp by the river, at a small campsite next to the river at Chiquisca at 2,450m (8,036 ft.). (B/L/D) Distance: 12 km Time: 6-7 hours

Day 4: Chikisca, Apurimac, Choquequirao, Marampata

Early departure, crossing the river on a footbridge marking the start of the day. From here, an uphill walk of half day brings us to a small meadow where we have lunch. As we ascend on the steep trail, we begin to appreciate the canyon land vegetation and environment on both sides of the Apurimac canyon. The afternoon hike is not as steep as we approach the hanging valley where the site of Choquequirao is found. We camp at an available flat part at Marampampa – as we begin to explore the isolated Inca sites and the surrounding thin cloud forest. We can also visit the Choquequirao´s main plaza where we can appreciate a group of Terraces with Llama Figures called ¨the Llamas of the Sun¨ (B/L/D) Distance: 12.8km Time: 8 hours

Day 5: Choquequirao

We will spend the whole day exploring the various archaeological sites located at different points on the hillside overlooking the Apurimac River. We pass the stream of Chunchumayo; the views from here to the other side of the Canyon are spectacular. The restored buildings were areas used for storage, living quarters, a garrison, and the ceremonial sites are impressive. First reports of a visit to this complex are from 1768 with many more later-explorers, scientists and treasure hunters all the way through 1909 when Hiram Bingham also visited the area reportedly his first contact with a lost citadel of the Incas. We will have time to wander through this extended settlement spending most of the day looking at the different buildings. Return to our campsite at Marampata at the end of the excursion. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Choquequirao, Maizal

We start our ascent from our campsite to the Pass of Choquequirao (3.250 m / 10,660ft), entering cloud forest where we find polylepis trees, epiphytes and bromeliads. On the other side, as we descend the Yuracmayo River, we pass some terracing that supplied Choquequirao and finally arrive at the river bed, which we cross. We continue our ascent until reaching Maizal, a balcony with an impressive view of the Yurahmayo and Yanama gorges, as they join and rush towards the Apurimac Canyon. It is a natural viewpoint, looking out to the west with beautiful sunsets where we camp. (B/L/D) Distance: 5km Time: 6 hours

Day 7: Maizal, Mina Victoria, Yanama

The trail starts climbing steeply towards Mina Victoria, an Inca and later colonial mine. We hike along a hill called Qoriwayrachina, where recent archaeological explorations have taken place. Once over the pass at (3,900m / 12, 792 ft.), we have lunch and begin our descent to the village of Yanama with views of the mountain country and Mt. Pumasillo towering above us and our campsite below. (B/L/D) Distance: 10km Time: 7 hours

Day 8: Quiswar, Hornopampa

Recently a road has been built for four-wheel drive vehicles, you will find a trail skirting this narrow road. Heading up the Yanama valley, past fields of farmers reach the trailhead below the Quiswar pass at (4,180m – 13,710ft). Cross over the pass, beautiful views of Mt. Salkantay and Humantay on a clear day. Descend on the winding trail to the valley of Totora below, until Hornopampa for a vehicle pick up and take you to the next campsite. Begin to pass small settlements of farmers growing coffee and tropical fruits. (B/L/D) Distance: 9km Time: 7 hours

Day 9: Patallaqta, Machu Picchu

Start today´s hike traversing dense cloud forest with a chance to hear bird – calls, pass a pre Inca site of Paltallacta. From here get a magnificent view of Machu Picchu from its northern face. We descend down to the Urubamba Valley, with a chance for a refreshing dip in the Aobamba stream following the path to the hydroelectric plant. In the afternoon take the train to Machu Picchu village where you spend the night at a local hotel. (B/L)

Day 10: Machu Picchu, Cusco

A half hour bus ride will bring you to the citadel for a guided visit which on average takes three hours as your official guide walks you through the different sectors of the hill-top citadel, with astonishing views, learning about the aspects of Andean life taking you back in time. In the afternoon, you will return to the village where the train will take you to back to Cusco or Ollanta. Overnight hotel ad Cusco. Dinner on your own. (B/L)

Day 11: Cusco / Return

We will transfer back to the airport when your flight. On your free time, we will recommend important places of Cusco so you can visit (restaurants, museums and local markets)